I would really be tempted to add an overhanging counter and a couple of stools there. Great for serving and casual dining.

Not sure you need another cabinet there, as you already have a drop leaf table (I think) on the other side. Speaking of that, have you tried putting that table on the wall to the right of the door, below the clock? I think it would make a nice pairing, and have a better visual balance.

I would also think about taking those smoked glass doors off the upper cabinets in there, and let that be open display shelving. I think that would lighten the feel of the space, and also create more interest.

Consider a fabric with a stripe that has the colors of the rug in it. Hard to tell for sure from the pix, but appears to have black, red, green, cream, camel?

Maybe something like this?

soleil autumn spice stripe

I am also wondering if you have considered adding drapery panels that would hang on either side of the door, with the rod hung halfway between the top of the door frame and the ceiling? It would add some softness and color to that area, and balance all the hard wood surfaces.

You might try putting another picture below the one you have, which would also balance out the long clock on the other side of the door. In my opinion the plant actually looks rather large in that space. I know you haven't asked about this, but for a more elegant look you might try painting the wood colored area in the dining room the same color as the walls. That way it would look less like part of the kitchen and you could also hang some nice art there.

I don't think you need anything when the plant is outside. I think drapes would fill the area nicely. I must say, that's a very healthy plant!!! You wouldn't want to see mine, lol

Maybe a small corner shelf to display a few nice Tchotchkes.

Sorry.......got to ask. If you put a piece of furniture there, then where will you put the plant when you have to bring it in?

I think the area looks fine left bare and the most I would add is either drapes or larger artwork.

Thanks, everyone for your help. I'm amazed at how much you all can see from a few pics. Yes, that is a drop leaf table next to the rail. Unfortunately, it is too long to go under the clock. There used to be vertical blinds at those doors, but we removed them when we replaced the doors. Did you notice the plastic still on the bottom half of the doors--so charming. Hubby insists it stay to keep the dogs from scratching the glass. Hubby is also the reason none of the woodwork is painted and nothing is hung on it. That has been his only real requirement so I can deal with it. At least none of the walls are paneled. Drapes that pull from one side are a possibility. Also, I can see what you mean about either adding another picture or replacing with a larger or heavier appearing one. I didn't really notice that imbalance before. Les917, this dining area is open to the foyer and the den. I have pillows on the sofas in the den that are in a stripe very similar to the one you mentioned. Do you think it would be too matchey to use that same fabric on the dining chairs? Here's a pic.

I'm adding 2 more views taken from dining area, but with back to the kitchen, so you can see what I'm dealing with when it comes to the woodwork.

I'm moving this up because I didn't get an answer about the pillow fabric being used on the chairs. What do you think?

I don't know about the pillow fabric, but I would either go with Les, putting a counter there for serving, knickknacks, or eating. Or just leaving it blank would be nice.

Les, if she took the windows out, those glasses will get a LOT of dust and become a PITA. I know, been there done that. lol

If the stripe works with the area rug under the table (and it appears that it would) I don't think it would be too much to use it on the chairs there, if you only have it on a couple of pillows in the next room. However, I would be inclined to consider a stripe that has some more light in it, such as some beige stripes as well, to keep the chairs from feeling too heavy compared to the glass table.

I would really consider panels that hang on both sides of the door, not pull to one side. I think you can use the softness of the fabric to counterbalance all the wood everywhere, and all the hard edges. They could be stationary, not something that is opened and closed.

I have to giggle at men - they think things like keeping plastic on the glass looks better than scratches on the glass? My DH would likely do the same, but I would rather have the view and the clear glass with a few scratches.

Don't forget about 3M command adhesive hooks. They work very well for hanging all kinds of things, and won't mar or stain the wood surface.

I think that fabric would work very well on your dr chairs !!

I would invest in a more decorative pot for your plant, something all weather so it could be taken outside also; I would leave that area blank for the 8 months when the plant is outside.

The pillows are very beautiful but I would use something different for the chairs. For one thing, I would use a wider stripe. Your home is really lovely but one thing I noticed is the woodwork behind the drop leaf table. I would remove that (you already have more than enough wood) and that kind of separation looks very dated, which the remainder of your house certainly does not. I think you'll be surprised how it opens up the space. Whether your DH will agree is of course another matter.....

Ingrid